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This day is turning out to be better than I could have ever imagined, even with such a rocky start.
“Your mom…” Benedict begins hesitantly, his voice low and thoughtful. “I know things were tough between you two, but it wasn’t always like that, was it?”
I sigh, my heart aching at the memory of happier times. “No, it wasn’t. She used to be my rock, my confidant. But after Dad left, everything changed. She became bitter, hardened.” I shake my head, trying to dispel the ghosts of the past. “But I don’t want to dwell on that anymore.”
“Understandable,” Benedict says softly, his fingers intertwining with mine, offering silent support. Our eyes meet, and I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, my heart pounding in my chest. It’s clear that he wants to know about my past because he wants to be a major part of my future.
“Being a single mom must be tough,” Benedict says softly, his voice tinged with concern. “Especially when it comes to dating.”
I let out a small, humorless laugh, squeezing his hand a little tighter. “You have no idea. It’s like walking a tightrope. I want to find someone who accepts me and loves my kids, but it’s so hard to trust people.”
“Most guys you’ve met haven’t been up to the challenge?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Exactly.” I nod. “They either don’t understand or aren’t willing to put in the effort. And I can’t risk getting involved with someone who doesn’t have our best interests at heart.”
Benedict’s thumb traces soothing circles on the back of my hand, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. “I can imagine how difficult that must be for you. But Harper—” He looks deep into my eyes, his gaze intense and unwavering. “You should know that all of us, Hudson, Antonio, and myself—we genuinely care about you and your kids.”
“Really?” I whisper, my heart swelling with gratitude and hope.
“Absolutely,” he reassures me.
My chest feels warm, a glow spreading from inside as I realize the truth in his words.
23
HARPER
My heart pounds in my chest as I stare up at the massive roller coaster towering over us. The metal tracks twist and turn, looping around in an intricate dance of fear and gravity-defying excitement. I can practically feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins just looking at it.
“I don’t want to go on this one,” I insist, my voice barely audible above the clamor of the amusement park. “Seriously, Hudson, I can’t handle it.”
“Come on, Harper,” Hudson teases, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. He wraps a strong hand around my wrist, gently tugging me further up in line. “You’re not going to let a little roller coaster scare you off, are you?”
I swallow hard, trying to ignore the fluttering in my stomach that has nothing to do with the ride itself. Hudson’s touch fills me with need, and I fight the urge to lean into him.
“Are you sure?” I ask, more for my own reassurance than anything else.
“Absolutely,” Hudson replies, grinning wickedly. “Just imagine what kind of fun we could have on this thing.”
A group of kids, their faces flushed with excitement, scamper past us and eagerly clamber onto the roller coaster cart in front of ours. Their energy is infectious, but it doesn’t ease my apprehension about the ride.
“See? If those kids can handle it, so can you,” Hudson encourages, giving my hand another reassuring squeeze.
As the roller coaster cart starts to fill up, I glance at the kids one more time. They’re practically vibrating with anticipation, and I can’t help but smile at their enthusiasm. Maybe it won’t be so bad after all.
“Harper, it’s now or never,” Hudson says as the attendant motions for us to board the roller coaster cart.
“Actually, I think I’m going to sit this one out,” I mumble nervously, trying to edge away from the ride. I watch as the kids in the cart in front of us laugh and cheer with anticipation. How do they not feel the same terror I do?
“Nice try.” Hudson chuckles, playfully nudging me toward the cart. “You’re not getting off that easily.”
He guides me into our seats, his warm hand on the small of my back making me shiver. I glance at him, biting my lip as I try to hide my fear. His eyes are filled with excitement, and for a moment I allow myself to get swept up in his enthusiasm.
“Here we go!” He grins, gripping the safety bar as it locks into place.
“Please just let me close my eyes,” I beg, feeling the panic rising within me.
“Trust me, you’ll want to see this.” Hudson smirks, winking at me before turning his attention back to the ride.
